Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
User Reviews
5
Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
Description
The Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail mixes spiced or regular apple cider with fresh orange zest and juice, bourbon, apple butter, vanilla extract, and optionally balsamic vinegar for a complex flavor profile. This combination creates a drink with sweet, fruity, and slightly tangy notes complemented by the richness of bourbon. The cocktail is shaken vigorously with ice to meld flavors and then strained into a glass filled with ice. It's finished by topping with ginger beer, adding a refreshing fizz that brightens the drink.
The flavors are balanced between the tartness of citrus, sweetness from apple butter and cider, and the oak warmth of bourbon. The optional balsamic vinegar adds a subtle acidity that can enhance depth. Common garnishes include apple slices, orange wedges, cinnamon sticks, or herbs such as rosemary or thyme to complement the fall-inspired flavors.
This cocktail can be pre-mixed without the ginger beer and refrigerated until serving, making it versatile for gatherings. Variations in mixers such as club soda, ginger ale, or sparkling water allow customization based on taste or availability. It can be served individually or by the pitcher for multiple servings, suitable for festive or casual occasions.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup apple cider spiced or regular (not vinegar!)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice fresh squeezed is best
- 1 ½ - 2 tablespoons bourbon or your favorite whiskey
- 1 tablespoon apple butter
- 1/2-1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar optional, but try it!
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or try bourbon vanilla extract
- ginger beer or use your favorite mixer, see notes for ideas
Garnish (optional)
- apple Honeycrisp variety, sliced
- orange slice
- cinnamon stick
- rosemary or thyme
Instructions
- In a mason jar or a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients except the ginger beer, give it 15-20 good shakes.
- Add ice to a cocktail glass, place sieve over the top and strain the apple cider bourbon into the glass. Top with ginger beer, give it a gentle stir, garnish as desired.
Notes
- You can prepare the cocktail mixture ahead, keeping ginger beer separate until serving.
- Store any leftover cocktail in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- The recipe scales well for larger batches; simply multiply ingredients and serve over ice, topped with ginger beer.
- Substitute lemon juice or maple syrup for balsamic vinegar for varied acidity and sweetness levels.
- Use cinnamon whisky instead of bourbon for a spiced variation.
- Alternative mixers include club soda, sparkling water, ginger kombucha, or grapefruit mixer for different flavor profiles.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1Cocktail
Amount Per Serving
Calories 213 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1glass | |
| Calories | 213kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 24g | 8% |
| Protein | 0.4g | 1% |
| Fat | 0.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.03g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.04g | 0% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.01g | 0% |
| Sodium | 10mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 220mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 21g | 42% |
| Vitamin A | 81IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 20mg | 22% |
| Calcium | 20mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.3mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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